KnE Open Top Picks for December 2024
On January 29, 2025
As we continue to explore the latest innovations in healthcare, education, and social progress, here are some insightful studies published on our Open Access platform. These research articles offer fresh perspectives on global challenges, from improving early childhood development to transforming medical waste into life-saving therapies.
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Can E-Learning Fight Extremism?
Education is one of the strongest tools we have to create safer, more inclusive communities. This is where e-learning could be a game changer. This study looks at how schools and universities in Saudi Arabia are using e-learning to tackle extremism. By surveying 525 teachers and faculty members, researchers found that online learning can help build social cohesion and promote moderation. They affirm that there’s a real opportunity to boost e-learning’s impact with smarter strategies and better technology. This research gives a fresh perspective on how technology and education can team up to challenge harmful ideas and create a stronger, more united future.
Find out how e-learning could be key to shaping a safer world here.
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Do Pediatricians Have the Tools to Handle Infantile Colic?
Infantile colic may be common and harmless, but it can cause a lot of stress for both parents and babies. So, how well do pediatric residents really understand and manage it? This study surveyed 113 pediatric residents to find out. The results were surprising: while most residents recognized colic when babies cried or were irritable without a clear reason, many were unsure about its diagnosis and treatment. Less than half knew the clinical criteria for colic, and most believed extra tests were needed to confirm it, despite it being a self-limiting condition. Almost all agreed that educating parents about colic’s harmless nature is key, but many felt uncertain about alternative treatments or when to move beyond conservative methods.
Learn more about what’s next for pediatric training here.
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Can Counseling Help Prisoners Overcome Stigma?
For prisoners, life after incarceration can be just as challenging as their time behind bars due to the heavy stigma they face from society. By examining existing research and human rights laws, the study sheds light on the damaging effects of societal stigma and the urgent need to address it. Reality counselling emerged as a powerful tool, helping prisoners rebuild their self-esteem and adapt to life outside prison walls. This study explores how reality counselling can help prisoners build resilience and regain confidence, even in the face of judgment and exclusion. Tackling stigma and supporting former prisoners isn’t just about fairness, it’s about fostering a healthier, more inclusive society.
Discover how reality counselling is transforming lives here.
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Turning Umbilical Cord Waste into Life-Saving Therapies
Did you know that umbilical cords could hold the key to revolutionary medical treatments? These cords are rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which have incredible potential for treating diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Unfortunately, upholding outdated policies means this valuable resource goes unused. This study argues for a policy shift to collect and store umbilical cords, making stem cell therapy more accessible. Unlike invasive bone marrow procedures, extracting MSCs from umbilical cords is painless and risk-free. This can improve patient outcomes and reduce disease burden. With a growing need for innovative solutions to combat widespread health issues, it’s time to rethink how we view so-called biological waste.
Learn how the UAE could transform healthcare by repurposing umbilical cords here.
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Can Early Intervention Improve Outcomes for At-Risk Infants?
When it comes to preventing cerebral palsy in high-risk infants, early intervention might be the key to better neurological development. This study, conducted in Kazakhstan, looked at 69 preterm infants and compared the effects of starting early intervention at 42 weeks versus 52 weeks postmenstrual age. It found that babies who began early intervention showed better movement quality and a lower risk of neurological issues than those who started at a later age. By assessing general movement and motor activity, the study underscores the importance of early detection and intervention for infants at risk.
Learn more about the power of early intervention for better neurological health here.